Revivals
The Devils
Ken Russell
Ken Russell’s infamous adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s novel, about the apparent possession of a group of nuns after one (Vanessa Redgrave) accuses a priest (Oliver Reed) of collaborating with the devil, is at long last available in its full, uncensored splendor.
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Country
- U.K.
- Language
- English
- Year
- 1971
- More information
- Official page
Screenings
Newly restored 35mm print plays at Film at Lincoln Center from October 15-22 only.
Ken Russell’s controversial adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun is at long last available in its full, provocative splendor. This new restoration thrillingly incorporates material that was originally censored—footage that Russell deemed some of the best and most political work of his career. A young Derek Jarman designed the sets that house this story of a vengeful nun (Vanessa Redgrave) who accuses a priest (Oliver Reed) of collaborating with the devil, resulting in the apparent possession of an entire convent. A fearless account of state and church corruption, The Devils mixes graphic sexual imagery with religious iconography in an unforgettable spectacle that could only issue from the mind of Ken Russell. An NYFF64 Revivals selection. A Warner Bros. Clockwork release.
New 4K restoration from the original camera negative of Ken Russell’s definitive vision of The Devils, using his privately constructed 2004 edit. Audio remastered from original English Composite 35mm Mag Film transferred at 96kHz, plus other original elements as needed. Picture and sound restoration performed by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound.
Explore more on Film Comment:
Newly restored 35mm print plays at Film at Lincoln Center from October 15-22 only.
Ken Russell’s controversial adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun is at long last available in its full, provocative splendor. This new restoration thrillingly incorporates material that was originally censored—footage that Russell deemed some of the best and most political work of his career. A young Derek Jarman designed the sets that house this story of a vengeful nun (Vanessa Redgrave) who accuses a priest (Oliver Reed) of collaborating with the devil, resulting in the apparent possession of an entire convent. A fearless account of state and church corruption, The Devils mixes graphic sexual imagery with religious iconography in an unforgettable spectacle that could only issue from the mind of Ken Russell. An NYFF64 Revivals selection. A Warner Bros. Clockwork release.
New 4K restoration from the original camera negative of Ken Russell’s definitive vision of The Devils, using his privately constructed 2004 edit. Audio remastered from original English Composite 35mm Mag Film transferred at 96kHz, plus other original elements as needed. Picture and sound restoration performed by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound.
Explore more on Film Comment: